Why shouldn't you clean old coins?

Most coin cleaning products are abrasive, and could damage the coin. Non-abrasive chemicals can still react with the other metals found in some old coins. The physical act of scrubbing or polishing can also wear down the design, destroying one of the most important factors in deciding a coin's grade.

Is it wrong to clean old coins?

Generally, it is better to leave your antique metal currency alone than it is to try and erase all the grime and grit off of those coins. Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them. So, if you're planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins.

Why does cleaning a coin devalue it?

They can remove some of the original finish or tone and even cause scratching, so they are viewed as a major negative in the world of numismatics. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins. Cleaning is a factor in coins not qualifying for grading.

Can you clean coins without losing value?

According to coin experts, cleaning any potentially collectible coins might cause them to lose value. Using chemical cleaners or scrubbing the coins could leave scratches and marks that will be easy for a skilled appraiser to pick up on.

Do professionals clean coins?

If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended. Commonly found coins are mentioned as ideal candidates for any attempted cleaning experiments.

Should You Clean Your Coins? NO, NO, NO! Here's Why:

Should you clean old silver dollars?

Cleaning Issues

Even though it's counterintuitive, you should never clean a coin, as it can significantly reduce its value. Even coins that have substantial dirt, tarnishing, or toning should be kept in their original condition.

Can old coins be toxic?

Re: Toxicity of Ancients

All coins contain quite a range of metals and chemicals, including lead and arsenic. Depending on time and place, both bronze and silver coins can contain quite a bit of lead - up to 10%. Silver and lead are often found together in nature, so cross-contamination is quite likely.

Can you get metal poisoning from coins?

Also, it is important to be aware that coin pica can cause metal toxicity as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.

Why do old coins turn black?

Coin toning generally occurs naturally over time. It is due to the oxygen or sulfur reacting on the coin's metal. It is purely based on the environment in which the coin is. However, the toning process can be accelerated by the heat, moisture, and a variety of other chemicals in the environment.

Can bacteria grow on coins?

Smooth, polymer surfaces provide a poor means of adherence and survival, while coarser and more fibrous surfaces provide strong bacterial adherence and an environment to survive on. Coins were found to be strongly inhibitory to bacteria with a relatively rapid decline in survival on almost all coin surfaces tested.

How much does cleaning a coin devalue it?

Since oil and dirt cannot be removed without cleaning, a small touch can cut a coin's value in half or even more because, again, numismatists would rather have an oxidized but untouched coin than a shiny but damaged one. The bottom line for anyone looking to sell coins from a coin collection: don't clean your coins.

Are 1964 half dollars worth anything?

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of February 2023, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1964 in circulated condition is worth between $11 and $11.50. However, on the open market 1964 Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $5200.

Does Coca Cola clean coins?

Yes, that refreshing can of Coke that you like to drink by the pool can also clean coins. Coke's phosphoric acid can clean the oxides that cause tarnish and corrosion.

Do coin collectors clean their coins?

Some collectors insist on cleaning their coins. One such collector had thousands of silver dollars. Every coin had been scrubbed with a harsh abrasive, every coin he bought got the same treatment, despite warnings from friends and dealers he did business with.

What is improperly cleaned coin?

When a coin is improperly cleaned, surface metal has been forcibly removed from the surface by either mechanical or chemical means. Once this metal has been removed, sadly this cannot be replaced.

Can coins be cleaned before selling?

Don't clean your coins! Not only does this cut their value by as much as half (or possibly even more), but it will be an immediate deal-breaker for many dealers who would've otherwise wanted to buy your coins if only they were left in their original condition.

Why is the Kennedy Half Dollar rare?

1969 D MS 67 Kennedy half-dollar

The reason is its silver content and high grade. Experts estimate that only 50 pieces in MS 67 still exist, including this one.

Why are half dollars so rare?

Since 2002, half dollars have been minted only for collectors, due to large Federal Reserve and government inventories on hand of pre-2001 pieces; this is mostly due to lack of demand and large quantity returns from casino slot machines that now operate "coin-less".

What is a Kennedy Half Dollar worth?

Kennedy half-dollar coins are not very rare and most of them are worth only their face value of 50 cents. However, some are more valuable, depending on the year they were minted and their condition. For example, a Kennedy half-dollar coin minted in 1970 and in uncirculated condition is worth about $8.

Can you clean silver coins without losing value?

A great way to clean coins without doing damage to them is using a bath of salt and isopropyl alcohol. Keep in mind that this is more of an abrasive than even the sand method and can do serious damage without the proper care. Make a bath using a cup of isopropyl alcohol combined with two tablespoons of salt.

Does rubbing alcohol clean coins?

A great way to clean coins without damaging them is by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and salt. These two ingredients are coarse and acidic, which is an effective way to target built-up dirt. Combine one cup of isopropyl alcohol and two tablespoons of salt in a medium bowl.

What disease can you get from dirty money?

aureus can easily survive on coins, whereas E. coli, Salmonella species and viruses, including human influenza virus, Norovirus, Rhinovirus, hepatitis A virus, and Rotavirus, can be transmitted through hand contact.

How dirty is money coins?

According to research from Mastercard and the University of Oxford, the average bank note is home to 26,000 types of bacteria including E. Coli. And the average coin has more germs than on a toilet seat!

How dirty is paper money?

Money can carry viruses, protozoa, and bacteria. Depending on where it's been, it could carry almost anything. One old and widely-cited study even found that 79% of one-dollar bills contain traces of cocaine.